Growing To Maturity In Christ (2)

Ephesians 4:13–15 “This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”

Sermon title: Growing to Maturity in Christ

I. Unity Brings Growth

(v.13a)

Text: “This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son…”

Why Paul said this: Unity was essential in a divided church (Jews and Gentiles). Division would stunt growth.

Positive Point: When Jesus is the focus, unity is the result.

Negative Point: Division keeps us immature and weak.

Illustration: Like a sports team following one playbook. Without unity, they lose. With unity, they win.

John 17:21 “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”

Impact Statement: Paul’s message is simple: maturity can’t grow in division. Unity is the soil where growth happens.

II. Christ Is the Standard

(v.13b)

Text: “…that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.”

Why Paul said this: People compared themselves by rules or by each other. Paul points them to Christ.

Positive Point: The standard isn’t people—it’s Christ.

Negative Point: Comparison kills growth.

Illustration: At the gym, looking at others lifting more only discourages or tempts you to show off. Growth comes from focusing on your own progress.

Romans 8:29 “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn* among many brothers and sisters.”

Impact Statement: Paul reminds us: don’t play the comparison game. The only standard that matters is Jesus.

III. Maturity Brings Stability

(v.14) Text: “Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching…”

Why Paul said this: Immaturity made believers vulnerable to false teachers and unstable in faith.

Positive Point: Maturity brings stability.

Negative Point: Immaturity leaves you vulnerable.

Illustration: Kids believe anything—like the tooth fairy. That’s harmless for children but dangerous for believers who should know better.

Colossians 2:7 “Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Impact Statement: Paul’s warning is clear: if you don’t grow up, you’ll get swept up.

IV. Truth Needs Love

(v.15a)

Text: “Instead, we will speak the truth in love…”

Why Paul said this: Churches swung between extremes—silence (to keep peace) or harshness (to “speak truth”).

Positive Point: Love makes truth stronger; truth makes love real.

Negative Point: Truth without love destroys. Love without truth deceives.

Illustration: A good doctor tells you the truth with care. Silence is neglect; bluntness without compassion is cruelty.

Proverbs 27:6 “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”

Impact Statement: Paul shows us: real maturity knows how to say hard things the right way.

V. Keep Growing in Christ

(v.15b) Text: “…growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.”

Why Paul said this: In a culture of idols and false leaders, Paul re-centered the church on Christ as Head.

Positive Point: Maturity means progress—more like Christ every day.

Negative Point: If you stop growing, you start drifting.

Illustration: A body must keep growing to stay in step with the head. If the body stops, it becomes weak and disconnected.

Philippians 3:14 “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”

Impact Statement: Paul’s point is sharp: real growth is not optional. If Christ is the Head, the body must keep growing.